A unique educational experience

An Enhanced Educational Experience

Overall, our physiotherapy educational facility blends cuttingedge technology, innovative architecture, and a warm ambiance to provide an ideal environment for learning and growth. The building has been specifically tailored to accommodate the distinct requirements of physiotherapy students and faculty, giving them the optimum setting for study and development.

Facilities

As you explore the campus, you’ll notice a variety of lecture theatres and labs equipped with cutting-edge technology and modern equipment. Our classrooms have been designed to be adaptable, allowing for a wide range of teaching methods and group sizes. Whether it Is a classic lecture hall, a collaborative learning environment, or a hands-on lab, the health hub has it all. Our facility also features specialised clinic areas, where students can acquire practical experience by treating real patients under the supervision of professionals. The clinical areas accommodate private treatment and consultation rooms, a fully-equipped gym, several pools and simulation wards with state-of-the-art, rehabilitation equipment.

INFORMAL EDUCATION

We recognise that learning does not take place solely in the classroom. As a result, our campus contains a variety of social and communal spaces aimed at encouraging students and teachers to feel a feeling of community and collaboration. There is a student lounge, study areas, and outdoor meeting areas to foster connection and collaboration. The informal spaces provide additional meeting areas that can be used after lectures or seminars.

LABORATORIES

Our laboratories are leading-edge, designed to replicate real-life circumstances and provide students with hands-on experience. We offer an array of labs, including anatomy labs, movement evaluation labs, and rehabilitative labs. Each research facility is outfitted with modern technology such as motion capture systems, as well as force plates, and 3D printing technologies.

MOTION CAPTURE

This laboratory uses sensors and cameras to capture and record a 180˚ view of the human body’s movement data in real time. Force plates integrated within the camera system are also used within the space for measuring muscle pressures and forces that can be visualised and interpreted by students. Suits, reflective markers and cameras can all be used freely by students to generate 3D models, assess one’s health condition and generate routines.

Floor Structure:

1. Ply decking (180mm)

2. Concrete screed (50mm) with Vapour Control Layer underneath

3. 100mm insulation with DPM underneath

4. Concrete masonry (100mm)

5. Concrete precast (75mm)

Wall Structure:

7. Brick finish (100mm)

8. I-section steel beam (203x133x30)

Envelope Structure

18.

19.

20. Insulation (100mm)

21.

Student Areas

The student spaces can be used for studying, working and leisure. The versatile rooms offer different facilities, from silent spaces, to meeting rooms and collaborative work areas with computer labs, presentation rooms and simulation spaces. The versatile use of each space ensures each student can benefit from a comfortable experience tailored to their needs.

STRUCTURAL STEEL I-SECTION COLUMN (305X165X40mm)

CURTAIN WALL TRANSOM

STEEL I-SECTION BEAM (203X133X30mm)

WALL TIE

WOODEN BATTEN (25x50mm)

UNDERNEATH PAINTED OAK VENEER (15mm)

PROTECT VB 200 (2mm)

OSB INTERIOR PANEL FSC® (9mm)

MINERAL WOOL (60mm)

OSB EXTERIOR PANEL FSC® (14mm)

PROTECT TF200 THERMO (2mm)

BRICK (102.5mm) WITH A 75mm

AIR CAVITY

CURTAIN WALL MULLION

FRONT WOODEN PLATE (50mm) WITH 10mm PERFORATIONS

ANTI-FUNGAL MEMBRANE (2mm)

ACTIVATED CARBON BOARD (90mm)

BACK WOOD PANEL (50mm)

CONSULTATION ROOM, INTERIOR LAYOUT

WOOD LOUVRES AS A SHUTTER WALL

DOUBLE GLAZING (23mm)

PINE DECK PLYWOOD (9mm)

LIQUID FLOOR SCREED (75mm) WITH 16mm PERT-AL-PERT PIPEWORK OVER 500 GAUGE

POLYTHENE SEPARATING MEMBRANE

PIR (POLYSOCYANURATE) INSULATION (50mm) OVER ELOTENE VAPOUR BARRIER (2mm)

PRECAST CONCRETE SLAB (200mm)

The rail system can be controlled both manually, by pushing each panel, or mechanically. Thus, the users can control the environment according to their comfort levels or allow it to rotate depending on the optimal amount of natural light. The louvres also act as acoustic panels and ensures passive air ventilation and heating.

HYDRO-CERAMIC WOOD LOUVRES SECTION PLACEMENT

The sectional model details a junction between the wall, the floor and the louvres in the consultation spaces on-site. The 1:5 details allowed for a comprehensive study and presentation of the several textures in the rooms.

Timber louvres incorporate an anti-fungal membrane together with an activated carbon layer that ensure good air quality in each of the consultation rooms. By integrating the Helmholts Resonator, the louvres also act as acoustic panels, offering a comfortable environment for the public using the services offered within the building.

The hydro-ceramic wall uses Hydrogel and its property to slowly evaporate water to ensure good air quality with the space. The integrated ceramic layer then absorbs the moisture released from the Hydrogel spheres and cools the interior. As a result, the space becomes a ‘living’ environment, one that can cut down the energy costs relating to cooling the building by 28%.

East Elevation

The elevation concentrates on the curvature of the roof and how the overall shape achieves a smooth transition from the ground level to the upper ones. This tactic contours a smooth shape that blends within its urban context.

Interior Views

The indoor-outdoor connection is strengthened by the use of warm, natural materials within the interior areas of the building. Wood, while comforting to the eye, balances the formal use of the building, inviting the public to spend more time on-site, using the provided services and amenities.

South Elevation

The curvature of the envelope achieves an organic outline that creates a gradual transition from Princess Road’s level to the site.

Interior Views

Leisure, studying and activity-specific area offer students a versatile experience when using the building. This promotes a collaborative spirit and encourages the users to interact with each other without the pressure of formality.

CAFÉ, INTERIOR LAYOUT

The café space, located on the Ground Floor of The Hub, is a relaxed and welcoming space, meant to encourage socialising between students, staff and general building users. The space combines a versatile range of seating spaces. The small stage can be used for student-led activities and events, such as concerts, book clubs or stand up comedy shows.

The warm colour palette of the interior uses patterns and wood to enhance the cosines of the area. Greenery has been added throughout the space to create a connection to the outside garden that is visible from the café.

CAFÉ, AESTHETIC FEATURES

A cohesive colour palette consisting of shades of browns, mixed with greys and accents of orange and green offers a vibrant, yet intimate leisure area. The warm tones used within the space convey the sense of comfort, offering an approachable, inviting area for one to relax and socialise in their spare time. A restful ambience interlinks with vibrant accents that make the space unique.

Wood panels act as the main material for the café. Features such as the ceiling, booths and furniture pieces offer the aesthetic charm often associated with this material. Moreover, they integrate a tactile smoothness that encourages users to interact with the space. Its durability and environmental friendliness only add up to its overall performance.

Pattern tiles in shades of orange, yellow and black create an accent wall meant to draw the eye and make the space look more inviting. Their reflective property bounces the sunlight passing through the glass wall.

Glass partitions ensure on outdoor-indoor connection to the garden on-site. The panoramic views improve well-being, while organic patterns such as the walls curvatures and materiality establish a subtle visual connection between nature and the built environment. Subtle greenery mirrors the outside garden, adding an additional layer to the Biophilic approach of the space.

The commercial grade flooring has been chosen in accordance with the use of the space. It is easy to clean, able to withstand the daily wear and meets the overall safety recommendations

The loud nature of the space called for an acoustic strategy. Consequently, the wood panelling used within the space, for the ceiling and the booths, acts as acoustic panelling, absorbing the noise associated with the café

A versatile lighting scheme appeals to the different activities taking place. As a result, each light can be used in correspondence with the users’ comfort needs, while transforming the overall ambience of the space.

The public avenue links the residential neighbourhood to The Wave. The pedestrian route contributes to adding foot traffic towards the side, and can be used as a leisure amenity or as a space for movement exercises.

Black Alder (Alnus Glutinosa)

Max. height - 25M

Blooming period March

Observations fotofil, deciduous leaves

Hornbeam (Acer Campestre)

Max. height - 16M

Blooming period April

Observations extreme temperatures resistant

Common Hawthorn (Crataegus Monogyna)

Max. height - 6M

Blooming period May-

June

Observations deciduous leaves

Maple tree (Acer Platanoides)

Max. height - 5M

Blooming period April

Observations highly resistant

Plant considerations

Blue Fescue (Festuca Glauca)

Observations easy maintenance

'Golden Dome' (Hebe Rakaiensis) Observations evergeen, with flowers

Cherry Laurel (Prunus Laurocerasus)

Observations easy maintenance, evergreen

Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis)

Observations very adaptable

Dwarf Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana Pumila)

Observations evergreen

White Lavander (Lavandula angustifolia)

Observations lovely fragrance, evergreen

The outdoor furniture uses warm wood tones, adding an organic feel that mirrors the curvature of the building. Seating options are available throughout the park, such as different types of benches. Stones become both statement pieces, acting as organic sculptures, and can also be used for seating.

The surrounding environment provides area for several types of activities. The avenue ensures easy circulation and foot traffic towards the building. The garden links the bridge to the avenue and offers privacy. Lastly, the green space between the building and Princess Road offsets the structure from the road noise, ads parking spaces and ensures additional sitting spaces.

Cross Ventilation Natural Lighting Water Collection

The envelope promotes passive air circulation within the building. The natural tendency of hot air to lift itself ensures the top space does not require additional heating. The cold air at the bottom is constantly being refreshed through the user activity and the secondary ventilation system.

Wood louvres as well as the general materiality of the building ensure a good amount of natural lighting. The overall structure of each floor also promotes a well-lit environment. PV cells provide the energy that powers several elements inside the building, such as the heating. This cuts down the operational energy costs.

The envelope collects rain water that is then re-used for cooling the building and for facilities such as the toilets. The remaining grey-water is then distributed to the outside of the building where it is used for irrigation.

Prefabrication End Of Trip Facilities Landscaping

Given the organic shape of the roof, prefabrication is preferred when building elements such as the panels and structural ‘ribs’. Consequently, less time is spent on-site and less material is wasted. The approach will also ensure a better performance of the building as it takes into consideration possible movements of the material as well as its thermal performance.

The on-site facilities encourage the public, employees and students to use sustainable means of transport as it offers cycling routes and storage. Showers and changing rooms are also available.

The landscape plan added a range of green spaces that should prevent flooding, as well as encourage biodiversity on-site. The spaces add strong visual connections to the outside and provide a versatile use, especially in the summer.

All materials have been chosen for their ability of being re-used or recycled. The wood and steel can both be sourced locally, reducing the embodied carbon of the building. Concrete elements are minimum, only for the foundation and floor slabs.

Safe, mixed-use spaces bring social value to the site. Foot traffic is encouraged through the integrated pedestrian avenue, while the public is motivated to stay on-site through the landscaping scheme. The open spaces inside the building offer additional comfortable areas for social interaction.